Vehicle direction indicator



4 Sheets-sheaf; 1

N VENTOR ATTO NEYS June 3, 1941- w. P. HERZER Filed Nov. 8, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS June 3, 1941- w. P. HERZER VEHICLE DIRECTION INDICATOR Filed Nov. 8, 1939 Filed Nov. -8, 1939 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 myi ATTOR N EYS June 3, 1941.

w. P. HERZER 2,244,458

VEHICLE DIRECTION INDICATOR Filed Nov. 8, 1939 4 She ets-Sheet A lllllll Mimi 7/627 ATTO R N EYS,

Patented June 3, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VEHICLE DIRECTION INDICATOR William P. Herzer, Boulder, 0010.

Application November 8, 1939, Serial No. 303,481

3 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in signalling devices and'especially is concerned with a signalling device suited for use on an automotive vehicle for indicating to other drivers intended changes in direction of travel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel signalling device of the type which can be mounted in parts of a vehicle door and which can be operated conveniently by the driver within the vehicle to indicate contemplated changes in direction of motion of the vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel vehicle signalling device including a plurality of independently operable signal units which may be selectively operated by means of a single manual control.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a signal unit of the type including a horizontally swinging signal element, means operable to cause lateral sliding motion of the flexible signal element when the same is moved into outwardly extended position.

An advantage of the novel signalling device according to this invention over existing types of signalling units is that the former is manually operated, hence more reliable and further is characterized by ruggedness and simplicity of construction, the former assuring long useful life and the latter providing for the full utilization of the benefits in the manufacture of mass production.

A feature of the novel signalling device according to this invention is that the control of the device affords visual indication of the signal in extended position, thereby permitting the operator of the vehicle, when circumstances do not otherwise permit, to determine which selected signal is operated.

Other objects, advantages and features of the new and improved signalling device according to the present. invention will be apparent to those skilled in this art during the course of the following description.

Regarded in certain of its broader aspects, the novel signalling device according to the present invention comprises in a casing Within which a pivotally mounted horizontally outwardly swinging signal arm normally is concealed, the arm forming a cover for the casing and being springurged into closed position, of the improvements which comprise a first helicoidal member rotatably mounted within the arm, a sliding signal element mounted on said arm connected to and movable by rotation of said member; a swinging carriage mounted within said casing, a second helicoidal member freely rotatably mounted on said carriage connected to and rotatable with the first helicoidal member; a stationary element mounted within the casing embracing the second helicoidal member whereby swinging motion of the carriage causes the signal element to be slidingly moved outwardly into fully extended position; and an operating lever connected to said carriage for imparting swinging motion thereto.

In order to facilitate a fuller and more complete understanding of the present invention a specific embodiment thereof herein illustrated will be hereinafter described, it being clearly understood, however, that the illustrated embodiment, although presently preferred, is provided solely by way of example of the practice of this invention and not by way of limitation thereof except insofar as'the invention is recited in the subjoined claims.

Referring then to the drawings, V

Figure 1 is substantially a side elevational view of a portion of a vehicle showing the pres ently preferred embodiment of this invention mounted thereon,

Fig. 2 is a view from the interior of the vehicle looking toward the part shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is substantially a horizontal sectional view of Fig. 2 taken along the line 3-3 thereof,

Fig. 4 is essentially a vertical sectional view of Fig. 3 taken along the line 44 thereof,

Fig. 5 is a rear elevational view of the device with the three signal elements in extended exposed position,

Fig. 6 is a front view of the distal end portion of the structure shown in Fig. 5,

Fig, 7 is an elevational view seen from the interior of the vehicle of the signal control means,

Fig. 8 is essentially a horizontal sectional view of Fig. 7 taken along the line 8-8 thereof,

Fig. 9 is substantially a horizontal sectional view of Fig. 7 taken along the line 9-9 thereof, and I Figs. 10 and 11 are detail views of the universal joint connecting helicoidal members form: ing parts of the device as hereinafter will be described. V

Figure 12 is a perspective view-of the helicoidal members 4| and 41 passing through the-slotsin the members 3lc and 41a.

Referring to the drawings, especially to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, it will be noted that the novel signalling device according to this invention generally designated by the reference character 20 is mounted in side portions of a front door A of a vehicle A in a manner such that swinging doors 2|, 22 and 23 of the signalling device are disposed substantially horizontally. The device is operated by control means 24 within the door of the vehicle and operable from the vehicle interior.

Referring now especially to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, it is to be noted that each of the swinging doors 2|, 22 and 23 is pivotally mounted on hinge elements 2|,a, 22a and 2311 respectively and that edge portions 2|b, 22b and 23b respectively are bent inwardly to engage with channel members 3|a, 32a and 33a respectively of the slidingly mounted signal elements 3|, 32 and 33 carried on the inner sides of the doors essentially as shown. The exposed surfaces of the sliding signal elements 3|, 32 and 33 are provided with appropriate direction indicating symbols and legends essentially as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings. It will be evident that the doors 2 22 and 23 normally are held in closed position by means of springs 25, 26 and 21 connectedto parts of the doors and to interior portions of the device. In like manner the sliding signal elements 3|, 32; and 33 are pulled toward the beveled mounting of the doors 2|, 22 and 23 by springs 35, 36 and 31 respectively connected to the signal elements and to internal parts of the device. The inward motion of the swinging doors is restricted by abutment of the signal elements against portions of the partition 34, it being noted that openings 3 lb, 32b and 33?) are provided through which the springs 25, 26, 21, 35, 36 and 31 pass. Small intrinsically resilient bumper elements are provided on portions ofv the partition 34 to minimize noise during operation of the device: one of these bumper elements is illustratedin Fig. 3 and designated by the reference character 34a.

Each of the signal elements 3|, 32 and 33 is provided with a projecting lug 3|c, 32c and 33c respectively having slots 3|, 32' and 33', each slot being adapted to receive and embrace one of the helicoidal members 4|, 42 and 43 positioned between the signal elements and the doors upon which the elements are mounted, the relationship of the parts being well shownin Figs. 3, 4 and 12. The helicoidal members 4|, 42 and 43 are connected by universal joints 44, 45 and 46 to other helicoidal members, for convenience designated as second helicoidal members 41, 48 and 49. Figs. and 11 illustrate details of one of the universal joints, in this instance thejoint 44. It will be perceived that a spider 44a is connected by pivots 44b with bifurcated end portions of the helicoidal member 4| and with the sides of an opening formedin the end of the helicoidal member 41. It of courseisclearly to be understood that the spider is freely movable with respect to both helicoidal members whereby.

flexibility of operation is assured. Theopposite ends of the helicoidal members 41, 48 and 49 are freely rotatably mounted upon portions of carriages 53, 54 and 55 freely swingingly mounted upon brackets 50, 5| and 52 carried on side portions of the casing. Elements 41a, 48a and 49a mounted on side portions of the device housing are provided with double curved slots 41, 48 and.

49 to conform with the cross section contour. of the member portions of the helicoidal members 41, 48 and 49 and through which the same passes, as clearly shown in Figure 12 of the drawings.

Each of the helicoidal members is mounted in identical mannerupon the corresponding carriage, the details of mounting being shownin Fig. 4 wherein it will be seen that the endportion 49b of the helicoidal member 49 is bent substantially at right angles to the axis of the member and is provided with an opening to receive the connector 490 which holds the end of the member against balls 49d rolling on a washer 49c which in turn is mounted upon portions 49] of the carriage 55. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, swinging motion of the carriages 53, 54 and 55 will cause the helicoidal members 41, 48 and 49 to rotate about their axis by reason of the fact that the helicoidal members pass through the slots in the stationary elements 41a, 48a and 49a and the rotative motion will be transferred to the helicoidal members 4|, 42 and 43 through the universal joints 44, 45 and 46. As the helicoidal members 4|, 42 and 43 rotate, the lugs 3|c, 32c and 330 respectively are advanced axially therealong, thereby imparting sliding movement to the signal elements 3|, 32 and 33. It is to be noted that the portions of the helicoidal members 41, 48 and nearest the universal joints 44, 45 and 46 are substantially straight and hence initial swinging motion of the carriages 53, 54 and 55 on their pivots 53, 54 and-55, will not result in rotation of the helicoidal members, but instead will cause the doors 2|, 22 and 23 respectively to move into opened position against the action of the springs 25, 26 and 21 and thereafter, as mentioned, due to rotation of the heli-- coidal members 4|, 42 and 43, the signal elements 3|, 32 and 33will be slidingly moved into extended position essentially as is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 and as is shown in the phantom view designated by the reference character C in Fig. 3. An intermediate position designated by the reference character B in Fig. 3 shows the relationship of the parts during the course of outward movement of the door 2| and the signal element 3 I.

The novel mechanism for swinging the carriages 53, 54 and 55 will now be described, reference being made especially to Figs. '1, 8 and 9 wherein it will be noted that a connector rod 60,

, 6| and 62 is attached to each of the carriages 53, 54 and 55 respectively and tolever arms 63a, 64a and 65a respectively formed integral with the segmental gears 63, 64 and 65 freely rotatingly mounted upon portions of the casing 24a essentially as shown in Fig. '1. A free rotatingly mounted wheel 66 having a first toothed edge portion 66a meshing with the teeth of the segmental gear 63 and a second toothed edge portion 66b meshing with the gear 61 which in turn meshes with the gear 64 serves selectively to drive thegears 63 and 64. By this is meant that when the wheel 66 is moved in a clockwise direction, the teeth 66a meshing with the gear 63 causes the connector 66 to swing the carriage 53. In a like manner, whenthe wheel 66 is moved in counterclockwise direction from the rest position illustrated in Fig. '7, the connector 6 swings the carriage 54, It is especially to be noted that the gears 63 and 64 do not operate simultaneously. A bar 660 slidingly received in a channel 66d formed on the top ofthe wheel 66 and provided with a rack end portion 68 engages with the gear 65, to cause the connector 62 to swing the carriage 55. Engagement of therack and gear is facilitated by the extended tooth 65b provided on the gear 65 and by the guide 69 having an inclined rod end 69a; for holding the rack against the gear. The sliding bar 66c normally is held in raised position as shown in Fig, '1 by a spring 63a whereby the teeth of the rack are out of engagement with the gear 65 and, during swinging within the arm; a sliding signal element of the wheel 66 to cause operation of the gear 63 mounted on said arm connected to and movable and 64 as aforesaid, the end of the rack clears by rotation of said member; a swinging carriage the gear 65. An operating handle connected mounted within said casing; a second helicoidal to the bar 660 and terminating in a head 1 04; 5 member freely rotatably mounted on said caris provided to facilitate operation of the signalling riage connected to and rotatable with the first device. The wheel 66 is provided with a. stub helicoidal member; astationary element mounted shaft 66' mounted in the bracket 66b carried b-yi-g. within the casing embracing the second helithe casing. coidal member whereby swinging motion of the Having thus described the structural features w carriage causes the signal element to be slidingly of the novel signalling device according to this moved outwardly into fully extended position; invention, its preferred mode of operation now and an operating lever connected to said carriage will be described, reference being made to the for imparting swingi motion theretoillustrated embodiment of the invention. If for 2. A signalling device comprising a series of instance it is desired to signal an intended turn ori o tal y S i g signal a s; means o Seto the left, the handle 10 is moved in a clockwise lectively swinging one of said signal arms comdirection in conformance with the directions indiprising a series of segmental gears, one connected cated in the escutcheon plate 10b whereby the to and operating each of said signal arms; a gear 63 is rotated and the carriage 53 is swung discontinuously toothed gear wheel operating defrom normal position causing the door 2| to be pen upo its d rect on of otation, one of a opened and the signal element 3| to be moved plurality of Said Segmental gears; and a Sliding into extended position. In like manner, counterrack carried on said wheel engaging with and clockwise movement of the handle 10 will cause p atin anoth r s m nta a rotation of the gear 64 and swinging motion of In a vehicle signalling device of the typ the carriage 54, thereby opening the door 22 and co pr s a asi having sup posed horimoving the signal element 32 into extended posizontally extending compartments within each of tion. As will be evident, this signal is intended which a pivotally mounted horizontally outwardly to indicate an intended turn to the right. Wh n swinging signal arm normally is concealed, each it is desired to indicate an intention to slow down rm formin a cover for h corresponding mthe s eed of the car, the handle 10 is moved downp rtm n nd ein spring ur d i closed p Wardly from its normal raised position shown'in sition; the improvements which comprise first Fig. 7 whereby the gear 65 is rotated causing helicoidal members, one rotatably within each the carriage 55 to be swung upon its axis and of the arms; sliding signal elements, one mounted opening the door 23 whereby the signal element on each of said arms connected to and movable 33 is moved outwardly into extended position. 35 by rotation of the corresponding helicoidal mem- Release of the handle in each instance permits ber; swinging carriages, one mounted within the parts to be returned to their normal positions each of said compartments; second helicoidal by spring action. members, one freely rotatably mounted on each It is to he understood of course that this inof said carriages connected to and rotatable with vention is capable of extended application and the corresponding first helicoidal members; stais not confined to the precise illustrated forms tionary elements mounted within the compartnor described construction and, therefore, such ments embracing the second helicoidal members changes and modifications may be made therein whereby swinging motion of the carriages causes as do not afi'ect the spirit of the invention nor the sign l elements to be sli ingly moved outexceed the scope of the appended claims. 5 Wardly into fully extended p n; nd means Having thus described the present inventi n, for selectively swinging one of said carriages comwhat it is desired to secure by Letters Patent is: prisin a s i s f segmental ars, n con- 1. In a signalling device of the type comprisnected to and operating each of said signal arms; ing a casing within which a pivotally mounted a discontinuously toothed gear wheel operating horizontally outwardly swinging signal arm depending upon its direction of rotation, one of normally is concealed, the arm forming a cover a plurality of said segmental gears; and a slidfor the casing and being spring-urged into closed ing rack carried on said wheel engaging with and position; the improvements which comprise a operating another segmental gear. first helicoidal member rotatably mounted WILLIAM P. HERZER, 

